I make almost all of my own painting panels—and yes, the process involves birch plywood, gesso, a saw, and a suspicious jar of leftover paint sludge. 🎨 I just put together a step-by-step guide showing exactly how I make them, from cutting and sanding to priming and adding the warm ground I like to paint on. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own oil painting panels, this is the whole process.

Hotel Fortney has stood at the heart of Viroqua since 1899. Artist Dan Howard explores the landmark’s history, its remarkable restoration and the paintings that captured its rebirth.

A visual tour of original La Crosse paintings—from downtown streets and Pearl Street to the Riverwalk, Moon Tunes, Rotary Lights, and the Mississippi River.

I love the idea of using your talents for good. Not in a self-congratulatory way. Not in a “look how generous I am” sort of way. I’m not interested in that. But I do think if your work can help someone, then maybe it should.

Art Gets Weird When You’re Fighting the Demons of Art and Grief

Let’s not pretend—I’ve been missing for a while. The blog’s been quiet. My paintings slowed to a crawl. I could say “life got busy,” but that would be dodging the truth.

Struggling to find your art style? You're not alone. Discover why forcing yourself into one “look” might be holding you back—and how Picasso can set you free.

Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is a therapeutic technique that has been shown to be effective in helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds to cope with a variety of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. 

Explore the vital role artists play in modern society—as critics, educators, and sources of hope. Discover how art reflects culture, sparks change, and connects us through meaning and emotion.

Discover how incorporating art into your homeschool routine boosts academic performance, emotional well-being, and creativity. Learn fun, practical ways to bring the arts into home education.